A Message from Melinda Wilkes, Director Volunteer Engagement

I am proud to be a part of the volunteering community in San Diego and I truly believe that the AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) Members have a huge impact on volunteerism in the County. JFS leads this initiative for San Diego County where we train and coach members to become volunteer coordinators and increase capacity in nonprofits throughout the region. AmeriCorps Fellows commit to a year of service and give back to the community. And they make an incredible impact!

“AmeriCorps has given me the confidence that I didn’t know I had. I feel so capable now – making a difference in ways I didn’t think I could do.”

- Caroline Canter, Current AmeriCorps Fellow

“I have been able to make lasting change in my partner site – creating infrastructure that wasn’t there before. I have created volunteer assignments, drafted position descriptions and put new systems in place – that’s my legacy and it feels great!”

When Lori Stone, MD, took an early retirement as Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Sharp Health Plan, and wanted to give back to her community, the JFS Patient Advocacy Program won the lottery.

A neurologist by profession, she has always been interested in the mental health field and the opportunity to advocate for behavioral health clients appealed to her.

Since early 2016, Lori has been supporting the Patient Advocacy Program by representing clients in due process hearings in acute psychiatric hospitals. But it is her compassion, kindness, sense of humor, and wealth of knowledge that make her such a remarkable volunteer. Her modesty and humility prevent her from realizing just how much she has challenged, become a part of the Patient Advocacy Program.

On Friday, June 10, 2016, Jewish Family Service had the privilege of honoring volunteer Lori at the annual San Diego County Behavioral Health Recognition Dinner. 700 service providers and consumers gather together each year to recognize deserving individuals and behavioral health programs, and each organization who attends has the opportunity to sponsor an honoree who has made an impact on their program. It was our privilege to honor Lori! Thank you for making an impact in our community!

The beauty of volunteering at JFS is that there is something for everyone! Our volunteer opportunities give you the chance to branch out and try something new.

Ready to get started volunteering? Fill out our online application or give us a call at (858) 637-3050.

Deliver a Meal to a Neighbor

Volunteers deliver warm kosher meals with a warm smile to homebound older adults and younger disabled adults. Sometimes this is the only interaction they receive in a day. Our volunteers deliver meals with their own vehicles Monday through Friday from 10:30am to 1:00pm. Service areas include College/Del Cerro, Hillcrest/North Park, Downtown, and La Jolla.

Help Older Adults Get Where They Need to Go**Next Training - Tuesday, August 9, 2016!**

Older adults throughout Eastern, North Coastal, and North Inland San Diego need assistance getting around the city. Are you able to help? Drivers help older adults get to medical appointments, social visits, religious services, and more—enabling them to remain active, healthy, and connected to their community. This opportunity is family-friendly, flexible, and interpersonal, so you can help people on your own schedule in your own neighborhood.

Unable to attend our June On the Go training session? Sign up for one of our future sessions.

Tuesday, Aug. 9, 10:00am

Thursday, Sept. 29 – 2:00pm

Thursday, Aug. 25, 2:00pm

Wednesday, Nov. 9 – 2:00pm

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 10:00am

Monday, Nov. 21 – 10:00am

Get Friendly at the Corner Market

Volunteers at the Corner Market work one-on-one with people in need of food security to answer questions about the shopping process, provide information on healthy choices, and check out groceries.

The Corner Market is open:

MondaysTuesday & WednesdayThursday Friday

1:00-3:00pm10:00am-12:00pm & 1:00-3:00pm 4:00-6:00pm 10:00am-12:00pm

Ready to get started volunteering? Fill out our online application or give us a call at (858) 637-3050.

JFS Receives Ninth Consecutive 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

We are delighted to share the news that, for the ninth consecutive year, Jewish Family Service of San Diego has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator which highlights the work of efficient, ethical, and transparent charities. Only 1% of nonprofits nationwide have achieved such high standards of sound fiscal management, accountability, and transparency year after year. Read more about this noteworthy distinction here.

JFS of San Diego Recognized at First-ever California Nonprofits Day Celebration

California State Senator Marty Block has named Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) “Nonprofit of the Year” for the 39th district during the first inaugural California Nonprofits Day on Wednesday, June 22 at the State Capitol in Sacramento. Read the complete press release here.

University City Older Adult Center is Moving!

The University City Older Adults Center is moving to our new home at the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus, starting late August 2016. Our clients will still enjoy the same great services – hot lunches, friendly staff, and wonderful programs – in our new, central location. Come join us! For questions, please contact Aviva Saad at avivas@jfssd.org or (858) 550-5998.